AZA News Releases

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Statement on Oregon Endangered Species Ballot Measure

Silver Spring, MD – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today released the following statement, endorsing a possible Oregon ballot initiative to prohibit the sale of products and parts from certain endangered and threatened species:

At the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, animal conservation and protection across the globe is a fundamental part of our mission. One of the greatest threats to endangered animals like elephants, rhinos and sharks is poaching and illicit trafficking in endangered species products like ivory, rhino horn and shark fins.

Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are playing a leading role in supporting efforts to strengthen the protections for endangered species. In Oregon, a proposed ballot initiative designed to save species from the threat of poaching by removing the economic incentive to kill them and then sell their parts within the state is currently under consideration. Working together with AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in Oregon, we are hopeful that voters in Oregon have the chance to vote on this important policy in November.

We endorse the efforts of Save Endangered Animals Oregon and other reasonable efforts to ban poaching, trafficking and the import of products from endangered species.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.